First Nations Bursary Program
Sacred Heart College respectfully acknowledges that we are located on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
We are proud to support the growth, learning, and future opportunities of First Nations youth, and we warmly welcome students from all mobs and communities across Australia to apply for our 'deadly' programs and opportunities.
Through our BoodjerMia Bursary Program, the College invests up to $100,000 each year to provide First Nations students with the opportunity to fully engage in the College’s learning community. The name BoodjerMia, which means “sandcastle” in Noongar, reflects the deep connection to land and sea in our culture and the way we can build strong foundations for the future. Just as a sandcastle grows and changes with care, the bursary supports students to grow in knowledge, culture and community. It is offered to both current and prospective students, recognising their dedication, passion and potential to contribute to their communities and culture.
Through programs like the BoodjerMia Bursary, we aim to walk alongside First Nations students on their educational journey, celebrating their achievements, supporting their dreams and strengthening connections between the College and First Nations communities everywhere.
Key for Aboriginal terms used above:
- Deadly - Aboriginal slang meaning excellent, amazing, or really good.
- BoodjerMia - Noongar word for sandcastle, symbolising growth, connection to land and sea and building a strong foundation for the future.
- Mob - A term used by Aboriginal people to refer to a group, community, or family of shared ancestry.
Selection Criteria
The BoodjerMia Bursary is awarded to First Nations students who:
- Have a desire to receive a Christ-centred Catholic education.
- Will support the College ethos.
- Demonstrate a commitment to learning.
- Demonstrate regular school attendance.
- Are eager to participate in College activities.
- Aspire to complete Year 12.
- Can confirm their First Nations Heritage.
Fees
The Bursary will contribute up to the full value of the annual tuition fee from Years 7-12. In 2025, this is valued at $8,783. The costs of the enrolment fee, levies, laptops, uniforms and books are not covered by the Bursary Program and are the responsibility of parents/caregivers.
Where demand for Bursary support is high, it will be the discretion of the College Principal, Director of Finance and Corporate Services and College Aboriginal Liaison Officer to determine the allocation of the bursary and what percentage of support can be provided to the applying families, not exceeding the $100,000 commitment.
Levies, Laptop, Uniforms and Books
The cost of levies, laptop, uniforms and books are the responsibility of parents/caregivers.
- Building & Resource Levies - $2,153
- Laptop purchase - from $1,349
- Basic uniform costs - $1,000 (pre-loved uniforms are also available)
- Books - $600 (second hand books are also available)
Other Financial Assistance
The College offers circumstantial financial support to the families of enrolled students who have genuine financial need. Payment plans are also available for all College families upon successful enrolment.
Please contact College Accounts Receivable on (08) 9246 8208 or fees@sacredheart.wa.edu.au for more information on financial support and payment options.
Families may be eligible for financial support such as:
- Concession Card discounts
- Secondary Assistance Scheme
- Sibling Assistance
- ABSTUDY Supplement Allowance
Student Support
Sacred Heart College is committed to providing comprehensive support to its First Nations students, ensuring their inclusion, preserving their heritage and facilitating their educational success. A First Nations Liaison Officer is available to assist students.
Please refer to the BoodjerMia Bursary Information and Application Booklet for more information.
Enrolment Process
Parents/caregivers who wish to apply for the BoodjerMia Bursary should complete the following steps:
- Complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) through our College website (please note there is a non-refundable $90 EOI fee).
- Complete the Enrolment Application form online. A link will be sent to your email address.
- Complete the Bursary Application Form, including a Declaration of First Nations Heritage.
- Upload the Bursary Application Form to the enrolment application online or deliver in person to our College Registrar.
For Year 7 enrolment and bursary consideration, it is recommended that an Expression of Interest is submitted by the end of Year 4 through our website.
In January of Year 5 our future Year 7 enrolment selection process commences and applications are opened. It is at this stage that interested families should also submit their Bursary Application. Once enrolment and Bursary Applications are submitted, students and their parents/caregivers will be invited for an interview with the College Principal, after which an outcome will be communicated.
MRS NIKI JENKINS
Registrar & Alumni Coordinator
registrar@sacredheart.wa.edu.au
(08) 9246 8283
